What is the end product of the reaction catalyzed by alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase?

The reaction catalyzed by alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase is a crucial step in the citric acid cycle, where alpha-ketoglutarate is converted into succinyl CoA. During this reaction, alpha-ketoglutarate, a five-carbon compound, undergoes oxidative decarboxylation. This process involves the removal of a carboxyl group, which is released as carbon dioxide, and the subsequent addition of coenzyme A, resulting in the formation of succinyl CoA, a four-carbon compound.

In addition to succinyl CoA, this reaction also produces NADH, which is a vital electron carrier in cellular respiration, but the primary focus is on the formation of succinyl CoA. This molecule is significant because it goes on to participate in further reactions within the cycle, ultimately leading to the synthesis of ATP through substrate-level phosphorylation. Therefore, succinyl CoA is rightly recognized as the end product of the reaction catalyzed by alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, highlighting its importance in the energy-yielding processes of the cell.